Ring input device with variable rotational resistance

ABSTRACT

A ring input device, and more particularly to variable rotational resistance mechanisms within the ring input device that modulate the rotational friction of a rotating outer band to improve the user experience, is disclosed. Because finger rings are often small and routinely worn, electronic finger rings can be employed as unobtrusive communication devices that are readily available to communicate wirelessly with other devices capable of receiving those communications. Ring input devices according to examples of the disclosure can modulate the rotational friction of its rotating outer band in accordance with an item (e.g., user interface or parameter) being manipulated by the band.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/471,024, filed Sep. 9, 2021, and published on Mar. 24, 2022 as U.S.Publication No. 2022-0091683, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/083,082, filed Sep. 24, 2020, U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/083,084, filed Sep. 24, 2020, U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/083,092, filed Sep. 24, 2020, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/083,088, filed Sep. 24, 2020, thecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties for all purposes.

FIELD

This relates to a ring input device, and more particularly to variablerotational resistance mechanisms within the ring input device thatmodulate the rotational friction of a rotating outer band to improve theuser experience.

BACKGROUND

Many types of electronic devices are presently available that arecapable of receiving input to initiate operations. Examples of suchdevices include desktop, laptop and tablet computing devices,smartphones, media players, wearables such as watches and healthmonitoring devices, smart home control and entertainment devices,headphones and ear buds, and devices for computer-generated environmentssuch as augmented reality, mixed reality, or virtual realityenvironments. Many of these devices can receive input through thephysical touching of buttons or keys, mice, trackballs, joysticks, touchpanels, touch screens and the like. Some devices can also detect andreceive input from objects such as a finger or stylus in close proximityto, but not physically touching, the device. To provide the convenienceof being able to receive input at greater distances without having to bein close proximity to an object, many of these devices can alsocommunicate wirelessly with other electronic devices, for example viaBluetooth or Wifi.

SUMMARY

This relates to a ring input device, and more particularly to variablerotational resistance mechanisms within the ring input device thatmodulate the rotational friction of a rotating outer band to improve theuser experience. Because finger rings are often small and routinelyworn, electronic finger rings can be employed as unobtrusivecommunication devices that are readily available to communicatewirelessly with other devices capable of receiving those communications.Ring input devices according to examples of the disclosure can modulatethe rotational friction of its rotating outer band in accordance with anitem (e.g., user interface or parameter) being manipulated by the band.Although ring input devices may be primarily described and illustratedherein as electronic finger rings for convenience of explanation, itshould be understood that the examples of the disclosure are not solimited, but also include ring input devices that are worn as part of anecklace, hoop earrings, electronic bracelet bands that are worn aroundthe wrist, electronic toe rings, and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate different configurations of a ring input deviceaccording to examples of the disclosure.

FIG. 1D is an exploded view of a ring input device according to examplesof the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a system block diagram of a ring input device according toexamples of the disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a symbolic side view of a portion of a stationary inner bandand a rotating outer band according to examples of the disclosure.

FIG. 3B illustrates a side symbolic view of a portion of a stationaryinner band and a rotating outer band with a variable resistancegenerator supported on the inner band according to examples of thedisclosure.

FIG. 3C illustrates a side symbolic view of a portion of a stationaryinner band and a rotating outer band with a variable resistancegenerator containing magnetorheological fluid according to examples ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 3D illustrates a side symbolic view of a portion of a stationaryinner band and a rotating outer band with a variable resistancegenerator supported on the outer band according to examples of thedisclosure.

FIG. 4A is a symbolic side view of two portions of a stationary innerband and a rotating outer band in concentric alignment according toexamples of the disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a symbolic side view of two portions of a stationary innerband and a rotating outer band in an eccentric relationship according toexamples of the disclosure.

FIG. 5A is a symbolic side view of a portion of a stationary inner bandand a rotating outer band with an electromagnetic rotational resistancegenerator according to examples of the disclosure.

FIG. 5B is a symbolic side view of a portion of a stationary inner bandand a rotating outer band with an electromagnetic rotational resistancegenerator having a movable brake according to examples of thedisclosure.

FIG. 6A is a symbolic end view of a stationary inner band, a rotatingouter band, a guard rail and a variable resistance generator configuredfor axial resistance according to examples of the disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a symbolic end view of a stationary inner band, a rotatingouter band, a guard rail and an electromagnetic resistance generatorconfigured for axial electromagnetic force according to examples of thedisclosure.

FIG. 7A is a symbolic end view of a rotating outer band and amagnetometer according to examples of the disclosure.

FIG. 7B illustrates two symbolic side views of a rotating outer band intwo different positions, rotated 90 degrees from each other, and amagnetometer located in proximity to the outer band according toexamples of the disclosure.

FIG. 8A is a normalized plot of rotation angle vs. magnetic fieldstrength along the Y axis and along the Z axis according to one exampleof the disclosure.

FIG. 8B is a normalized plot of magnetic field strength along the Z axisvs. magnetic field strength along the Y axis according to the example ofFIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is a plot of rotation angle true position (in degrees) vs.calculated position (in degrees) according to the example of FIGS.8A-8B.

FIG. 9A is a symbolic perspective view of a ring input device includinga rotating outer band with physical indicators such as grooves accordingto examples of the disclosure.

FIG. 9B is a symbolic view of a user interface with icons displayed onthe touchscreen of a companion device according to examples of thedisclosure.

FIG. 10A is a side view of a band mechanism of a ring input deviceincluding low friction contact points and button bearings according toexamples of the disclosure.

FIG. 10B is an enlarged side view of a pressure-sensitive inputmechanism in the form of a dome switch button bearing as indicated bythe dashed lines in FIG. 10A according to examples of the disclosure.

FIGS. 11A-11B are simplified symbolic side views (not to scale) of arotating outer band and a stationary inner band, with the inner bandshaving different levels of rigidity according to examples of thedisclosure.

FIG. 11C is a simplified symbolic side view (not to scale) of a rotatingouter band and a stationary inner band, with the inner bands havingstoppers on either side of a dome switch button bearing according toexamples of the disclosure.

FIG. 12A is a symbolic side view of a portion of a band mechanismincluding a stationary inner band and a rotating outer band with slidingcontacts to provide touch sensing according to examples of thedisclosure.

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of a portion of a band mechanism showinga leaf spring sliding contact on a stationary inner band according toexamples of the disclosure.

FIG. 13A is a symbolic side view of a section of a band mechanismshowing a button bearing affixed to an inner band, where the buttonbearing can also serve as a sliding contact according to examples of thedisclosure.

FIG. 13B is a symbolic side view of a section of a band mechanismshowing a dome switch button bearing affixed to an inner band, where thebutton bearing can also serve as a sliding contact with a reduced numberof traces according to examples of the disclosure.

FIG. 13C is a symbolic side view of a section of a band mechanismshowing a sliding contact and a button bearing affixed to an inner bandwith a reduced number of traces according to examples of the disclosure.

FIG. 13D is flowchart of a method for detecting a valid touch or pressinput on a ring input device according to examples of the disclosure.

FIG. 13E is a symbolic side view of a section of a band mechanismshowing two dome switch button bearings affixed to an inner band, wherethe button bearings can serve as sliding contacts with a reduced numberof traces according to examples of the disclosure.

FIG. 14A is a system block diagram of an electronic jewel system of aring input device including a scroll ball and a touch sensor accordingto examples of the disclosure.

FIG. 14B is a symbolic perspective view of a ring input device includingan electronic jewel system with a scroll ball and a touch sensoraccording to examples of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of examples, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which it is shownby way of illustration specific examples that can be practiced. It is tobe understood that other examples can be used and structural changes canbe made without departing from the scope of the disclosed examples.

Examples of the disclosure relate to a ring input device. Because fingerrings are routinely worn and are often small, electronic finger ringscan be employed as unobtrusive, everyday communication devices that arereadily available to communicate wirelessly with other devices capableof receiving those communications. Although ring input devices may beprimarily described and illustrated herein as electronic finger ringsfor convenience of explanation, it should be understood that theexamples of the disclosure are not so limited, but also include ringinput devices that are worn as part of a necklace, hoop earrings,electronic bracelet bands that are worn around the wrist, electronic toerings, and the like. Some examples of the disclosure are directed topressure-sensitive input mechanisms (e.g., buttons) within the ringinput device that detect pressure to initiate an operation. Otherexamples of the disclosure are directed to a conductive outer band onthe ring input device that can detect a touch to initiate an operation.Still other examples of the disclosure are directed to modulating therotational friction of a rotating outer band on the ring input device toimprove the user experience. Still other examples of the disclosure aredirected to detecting the rotational position of the rotating outer bandor detecting the position/orientation of the ring input device toprovide additional input capabilities.

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate different configurations of ring input device 100according to examples of the disclosure. In the example of FIG. 1A, ringinput device 100 can include band mechanism 102 that can includestationary inner band 104, rotating outer band 106, and contact pads 108(for making electrical contact with a user's finger, for example). Bandmechanism 102 can, in some examples, be removably couplable to anelectronic jewel system which may be simply referred to herein as“jewel” 110, which is illustrated symbolically in FIG. 1A as a box,though in various examples in can be productized in a variety ofdifferent shapes and sizes. FIG. 1B illustrates ring input device 100having a more compact, less obtrusive configuration of jewel 110according to examples of the disclosure. To accommodate a flatter jewel110 as in FIG. 1B, band mechanism 102 may be widened as compared to FIG.1A (8 mm instead of 4 mm, for example). FIG. 1C illustrates ring inputdevice 100 with the functionality of jewel 110 located inside a portionof a thickened stationary inner band 104. It should be understood thatthe illustrations of FIGS. 1A-1C are example configurations that are notdrawn to scale, and that any of the components of FIGS. 1A-1C can takeon different shapes, sizes and thicknesses.

Ring input device 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C can be utilized to provide wirelessinputs for a wide variety of devices. For example, ring input device 100can be used to provide inputs to companion wearable devices such assmart watches, health monitoring devices, headphones, ear buds and thelike. Ring input device 100 can also be used to provide inputs tohandheld devices such as smartphones (e.g., scrolling through a listusing rotating outer band 106), tablet and laptop computing devices,media players, styluses, wands or gloves for computer-generatedenvironments, and the like. In addition, ring input device 100 can alsobe used to provide inputs to stationary devices such as desktopcomputers, smart home control and entertainment devices (e.g., turningon a lamp, changing a TV channel), and the like. In some examples, ringinput device 100 can receive wireless input from a companion device andprovide information to the wearer of the ring (e.g., the ring canreceive a notification from a smartphone and generate a vibratingalert).

FIG. 1D is an exploded view of ring input device 100 according toexamples of the disclosure. In the example of FIG. 1D, band mechanism102 is illustrated exploded in the axial direction, exposing examplestationary inner band 104 and rotating outer band 106. Also shown isguard rail 134, which can couple to stationary inner band 104 to retainrotating outer band 106 while allow rotation of the outer band. Guardrail 134 can also include pogo pins 136 (described in further detailbelow) for providing electrical connections with jewel 110, althoughconnections other than pogo pins 136 can also be employed. In someexamples, and in some instances depending on the configuration of pogopins 136 (or connections, in general), jewel 110 can be removablycoupled to guard rail 134 using screws, tabs, tongue-and-groovestructures, and the like. FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate (in dashed lines) thatjewel 110 can, in various examples, be removed or installed vertically,or slid in and out horizontally.

FIG. 2 is a system block diagram of ring input device 200 according toexamples of the disclosure. In the example of FIG. 2 , band mechanism202 can be electrically coupled to jewel 210 through connections 212,which in some examples can be so-called “pogo pins,” which arespring-loaded electrical connectors that press into, and make electricalcontact with, conductive areas (lands or targets). Band mechanism 202can include stationary inner band 204 and rotating outer band 206. Insome examples, stationary inner band 204 can include pressure sensitiveinput mechanism 214 and touch sensing mechanism 216, although in otherexamples these blocks can be combined into one functional block.Stationary inner band 204 can also include variable resistance generator232. In some examples, pressure sensitive input mechanism 214 and touchsensing mechanism can be electrically coupled to rotating outer band 206via a sliding connection, and variable resistance generator 232 canapply a frictional or magnetic influence on rotating outer band 206.

Electronic jewel system or “jewel” 210 can include controller 218coupled to memory and/or storage 220. Controller 218 can include one ormore processors capable of executing programs stored in memory 220 toperform various functions. In examples of the disclosure, controller 218can be connected to wireless transmitter or transceiver 224 and one ormore of inertial measurement unit (IMU) 226, magnetometer 228, andhaptics generator 230. Memory 220 can include, but is not limited to,random access memory (RAM) or other types of memory or storage, watchdogtimers and the like. Controller 218 can include, but is not limited to,touch sensing circuitry for driving and/or sensing one or more touchelectrodes, including the generation of one or more stimulation signalsat various frequencies and/or phases that can be selectively applied tothe touch electrodes. Controller 218 can also be communicatively coupledto magnetometer 228 to process signals from the magnetometer todetermine the amount of rotation of rotating outer band 206, and to IMU226 to process signals from the IMU to determine parameters such as theangular rate, orientation, position, and velocity of ring input device200. In some examples, controller 218 can be communicatively coupled tohaptics generator 230 to initiate haptic feedback. Controller 218 canalso be communicatively coupled to wireless transmitter or transceiver224 to send inputs wirelessly, and in some examples to send and receivedata and other information. In some examples, wireless transmitter ortransceiver 224 can communicate wirelessly with desktop, laptop andtablet computing devices, smartphones, media players, wearables such aswatches and health monitoring devices, smart home control andentertainment devices, headphones and ear buds, and devices forcomputer-generated environments such as augmented reality, mixedreality, or virtual reality environments, and the like.

It should be apparent that the architecture shown in FIG. 2 is only oneexample architecture of jewel 210, and that the system could have moreor fewer components than shown, or a different configuration ofcomponents. The various components shown in FIG. 2 can be implemented inhardware, software, firmware or any combination thereof, including oneor more signal processing and/or application specific integratedcircuits.

Note that one or more of the functions described herein can be performedby firmware stored in memory 220 and executed by a processor incontroller 218. The firmware can also be stored and/or transportedwithin any non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for use by orin connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, ordevice, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, orother system that can fetch the instructions from the instructionexecution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. Inthe context of this document, a “non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium” can be any medium (excluding signals) that can containor store the program for use by or in connection with the instructionexecution system, apparatus, or device. In some examples, memory 220 canbe a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. Memory 220 canhave stored therein instructions, which when executed by a processor incontroller 218, can cause ring input device 200 to perform one or morefunctions and methods of one or more examples of this disclosure. Thecomputer-readable storage medium can include, but is not limited to, anelectronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, orsemiconductor system, apparatus or device, a portable computer diskette(magnetic), a random access memory (RAM) (magnetic), a read-only memory(ROM) (magnetic), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM)(magnetic), a portable optical disc such a CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-R,or DVD-RW, or flash memory such as compact flash cards, secured digitalcards, USB memory devices, memory sticks, and the like.

The firmware can also be propagated within any transport medium for useby or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, ordevice, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, orother system that can fetch the instructions from the instructionexecution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. Inthe context of this document, a “transport medium” can be any mediumthat can communicate, propagate or transport the program for use by orin connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, ordevice. The transport medium can include, but is not limited to, anelectronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic or infrared wired orwireless propagation medium.

FIG. 3A is a symbolic side view of a portion of stationary inner band304 and rotating outer band 306 according to examples of the disclosure.It should be noted that FIG. 3A is not drawn to scale, and that the gapbetween stationary inner band 304 and rotating outer band 306 can be onthe order of several hundred microns. In some examples, an encoder(e.g., an optical encoder) can be used to detect the rotation of outerband 306, though in other examples described hereinbelow, other devicessuch as a magnetometer can be used. As described above, stationary innerband 304 can include a variable resistance generator, which can apply africtional or magnetic influence on rotating outer band 306 toeffectively produce a feeling of modulated resistance to the rotation ofthe outer band. In the example of FIG. 3A, arrows are shown thatsymbolically represent the frictional or magnetic influence that can beapplied to rotating outer band 306. In some examples, this frictional ormagnetic influence can be the result of an effective increase in thediameter of stationary inner band 304, at least in portions of the innerband. In examples of the disclosure, this frictional or magneticinfluence can be modulated so that rotating outer band 306 can becomeeasier or harder to rotate, be frozen in place, produce the feeling ofdetents (bumps, catches, etc.) on the band, produce hard stops, and thelike.

Modulating the rotational resistance of rotating outer band 306 canprovide a number of advantages. In general, a user interface beingmanipulated by the ring input device can affect the rotationalresistance of outer band 306 to improve the user experience. Forexample, rotation of outer band 306 can become more difficult andeventually stop at the end of an input (e.g., when the rotation causesthe end of a virtually displayed slider to be reached). In someexamples, the frictional or magnetic influence can depend on the item(e.g., the parameter or user interface (UI)) being manipulated. In otherexamples, rotational resistance can be reduced when a list to bescrolled is long and fast scrolling is desired, or the rotationalresistance can be increased when the list is short or when more precisescrolling is desired. In still other examples, rotational resistance canbe increased or decreased depending on whether the item beingmanipulated should be changed slowly (e.g., the volume of a companiondevice) or quickly (e.g., scrolling through a lengthy document).

The feeling of detents, caused by pulses of increased rotationalresistance, can be advantageous when moving through a document in pageview, moving in discrete increments, jumping from one icon to another,etc. However, because detents can be time sensitive, delays in receivingdetents can render the feedback useless, or worse, lead to errors.Delays can be the result of the round-trip communication path ofreceiving an input at outer band 306, wirelessly transmitting a signalto a companion device, receiving a reply from the companion device, andthen generating the detent. Thus, in some examples, detent processingand generation can be handled locally, such as within the jewel.

In other examples, strong rotational resistance, to the point of makingrotating outer band 306 immobile, can be employed to ensure that norotational inputs are inadvertently generated. In addition, strongrotational resistance can be applied only at the beginning of arotation, and can be reduced as the user applies enough rotational forceto overcome this strong initial rotational resistance. This stronginitial rotational resistance can feel like the initial resistance of aswitch being flipped on or a knob being clicked on, and can ensure thatno events are accidentally triggered. Similarly, strong rotationalresistance can be applied only at the end of a rotation, and can beincreased to require that the user apply enough rotational force toovercome this strong terminal rotational resistance. This strongterminal rotational resistance can feel like the final end resistance ofa switch being flipped off or a knob being clicked off, requiring astrong affirmative action to end the activity. It should be understoodthat the preceding description of uses is non-limiting and merelyillustrative, and that modulating the rotational resistance of rotatingouter band 306 is contemplated for other purposes as well.

FIG. 3B illustrates a side symbolic view of a portion of stationaryinner band 304 and rotating outer band 306 with variable resistancegenerator 332 supported on the inner band according to examples of thedisclosure. In some examples of the disclosure, variable resistancegenerator 332 can be an electroactive polymer (EAP) which can changesize and shape when stimulated by an electric field. The strength of theapplied electric field can determine the amount of applied resistance torotating outer band 306, and pulsing the applied electric field at aparticular duty cycle can create the feeling of detents in the rotatingouter band. In some examples, variable resistance generator 332 can bean electromechanical brake, where electromagnetic force is used to pressthe variable resistance generator (in this example, in the form of abrake pad) against rotating outer band 306. The strength of the appliedelectromagnetic force can determine the amount of applied resistance torotating outer band 306, and pulsing the applied electromagnetic forceat a particular duty cycle can create the feeling of detents in therotating outer band. In some examples, variable resistance generator 332can be a shape memory alloy (SMA) which can change size and shapedepending on its temperature, as controlled by current flow. The currentflow can determine the amount of applied resistance to rotating outerband 306, and pulsing the current at a particular duty cycle can createthe feeling of detents in the rotating outer band. In some examples,variable resistance generator 332 can be an air bladder, which canchange size and shape depending on its air (or other gas) content. Theamount of air can determine the amount of applied resistance to rotatingouter band 306, and pulsing the volume of air at a particular duty cyclecan create the feeling of detents in the rotating outer band. In someexamples, variable resistance generator 332 can be a piezoelectricmaterial which can change size and shape when a voltage is applied. Thevoltage level can determine the amount of applied resistance to rotatingouter band 306, and pulsing the voltage level at a particular duty cyclecan create the feeling of detents in the rotating outer band. In someexamples, variable resistance generator 332 can be an electroadhesivepad. The electroadhesive pad can include electrodes biased withalternating positive and negative voltages, creating an electric fieldtherebetween. Positive and negative charges can then be induced onrotating outer band 306, which can cause electrostatic adhesion todevelop between the electrodes and the outer band, creating rotationalresistance between them.

FIG. 3C illustrates a side symbolic view of a portion of stationaryinner band 304 and rotating outer band 306 with variable resistancegenerator 332 containing magnetorheological fluid 338 according toexamples of the disclosure. In the example of FIG. 3C,magnetorheological fluid 338 can be retained in a membrane or otherreceptacle to hold the fluid between stationary inner band 304 androtating outer band 306. Because magnetorheological fluid 338 canincrease in viscosity in the presence of a magnetic field to the pointof effectively becoming a solid, the strength of the applied magneticfield can determine the viscosity and therefore the amount of appliedresistance to rotating outer band 306, and pulsing the applied magneticfield at a particular duty cycle can create the feeling of detents inthe rotating outer band.

FIG. 3D illustrates a side symbolic view of a portion of stationaryinner band 304 and rotating outer band 306 with variable resistancegenerator 332 supported on the outer band according to examples of thedisclosure. The example of FIG. 3D is similar to the example of FIG. 3B,except that variable resistance generator is supported on rotating outerband 306. In the example of FIG. 3D, arrows are shown that symbolicallyrepresent the frictional or magnetic influence can be applied tostationary inner band 304. The various examples of variable resistancegenerator 332 described above in FIGS. 3A-3C can also be employed inFIG. 3D. In the example of FIG. 3D, one or more additional electricalconnections are needed between stationary inner band 304 and rotatingouter band 306 to apply electric fields, electromagnetic force, currentflow and the like to variable resistance generator 332. In someexamples, these connections can be made by leaf springs or otherslidable contacts.

FIG. 4A is a symbolic side view of two portions of stationary inner band404 and rotating outer band 406 in concentric alignment according toexamples of the disclosure. In the examples of variable resistancegenerators 432 described above, if stationary inner band 404 androtating outer band 406 are configured as concentric bands as in theexample of FIG. 4A, variable resistance generators 432 can be requiredon opposing sides of band mechanism 402 to apply complementary opposingforces and maintain the concentric relationship of the inner and outerbands. It should be understood that although FIG. 4A only shows variableresistance generators 432 at bottom and top locations for ease ofillustration, multiple variable resistance generators can be employed inany number of opposing locations along the band mechanism.

FIG. 4B is a symbolic side view of two portions of stationary inner band404 and rotating outer band 406 in an eccentric relationship accordingto examples of the disclosure. In the examples of variable resistancegenerators 432 described above, if stationary inner band 404 androtating outer band 406 are configured as eccentric bands as in theexample of FIG. 4B, variable resistance generators 432 need not berequired on opposing sides of band mechanism 402 to maintain theeccentric relationship of the inner and outer bands. It should beunderstood that although FIG. 4B only shows one variable resistancegenerator 432 at a bottom location for ease of illustration, multiplevariable resistance generators can be employed in multiple locationsalong the band mechanism, although the geometry of the eccentric bandsillustrated in FIG. 4B can limit the location of variable resistancegenerators, and the effective “diameter increase” of each variableresistance generator may need to be different, depending on the locationof the variable resistance generator along the band mechanism.

FIG. 5A is a symbolic side view of a portion of stationary inner band504 and rotating outer band 506 with electromagnetic rotationalresistance generator 540 according to examples of the disclosure. In theexample of FIG. 5A, electromagnetic rotational resistance generator 540can include an array of coils 542 formed on stationary inner band 504and an array of magnetic poles 544 formed on rotating outer band 506.Poles 544 can be formed to have alternating opposite poles (e.g., asequence of north-south-north-south, etc. poles), although in otherexamples different patterns of opposite poles can be employed. In theexample of FIG. 5A, the direction of current flow through each coil 542can attract or repel the magnetized poles 544. In some examples,individual coils 542 can be magnetized via directional current flow inaccordance with the magnetization pattern of poles 544 to create forcesof attraction with respect to poles 544 (see arrows) sufficient toresist the rotation of rotating outer band 506, effectively creating abraking effect. The strength of the electromagnets formed by coils 542can vary in accordance with their current flow to create a variableeffective resistance. In some examples, the resistance to rotation thatcan be felt on rotating outer band 506 as a pole passes by theattractive forces of a coil can create a force profile that mimics thefeeling of detents on the band mechanism. If the forces of attractionare strong enough, rotating outer band 506 can feel locked in place.

FIG. 5B is a symbolic side view of a portion of stationary inner band504 and rotating outer band 506 with electromagnetic rotationalresistance generator 540 having movable brake 546 according to examplesof the disclosure. In the example of FIG. 5B, magnetic rotationalresistance generator 532 can include an array of coils 542 formed onbrake 546 which can be movably coupled to stationary inner band 504, andan array of magnetic poles 544 formed on rotating outer band 506. Insome examples, individual coils 542 can be magnetized via directionalcurrent flow in accordance with the magnetization pattern of poles 544to create forces of attraction with respect to poles 544 sufficient toresist the rotation of rotating outer band 506. However, unlike theexamples of FIG. 5A, coils 542 can be affixed to brake 546, which canmove towards rotating outer band 506 until it contacts the outer band,providing resistance and effectively creating a braking effect. Thestrength of the electromagnets formed by coils 542, and therefore themovement of brake 546 and the amount of friction or resistance that iscreated with respect to rotating outer band 506 can vary in accordancewith their current flow to create a variable effective resistance. Ifthe resistance is strong enough, rotating outer band 506 can feel lockedin place.

In other examples, individual coils 542 can be magnetized viadirectional current flow in various timing sequences to createrotational movement in rotating outer band 506 without requiring auser's touch. In other examples, manual rotation of rotating outer band506, such as by a finger, can induce a current in coils 542. This energycan then be harvested and stored for later use, such as by charging abattery within the jewel.

FIG. 6A is a symbolic end view of stationary inner band 604, rotatingouter band 606, guard rail 634 and variable resistance generator 632configured for axial resistance according to examples of the disclosure.Unlike the descriptions of variable resistance generators associatedwith FIG. 5A which apply variable resistance in a radial direction,variable resistance generator 632 in the example of FIG. 6A can beaffixed to a side rail of stationary inner band 604 and apply a variableresistance in an axial direction to a side wall of rotating outer band606. In some examples, variable resistance generator 632 canalternatively or additionally be affixed to guard rail 634 as shown indashed lines in FIG. 6A. Any of the variable resistance generatorexamples described above can be used in the example of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6B is a symbolic end view of stationary inner band 604, rotatingouter band 606, guard rail 634 and electromagnetic resistance generator640 configured for axial electromagnetic force according to examples ofthe disclosure. Unlike the descriptions of electromagnetic resistancegenerators associated with FIG. 5B which apply electromagnetic force ina radial direction, electromagnetic resistance generator 640 in theexample of FIG. 6B can be affixed to the side rails of stationary innerband 604 and side wall of rotating outer band 606 and produceelectromagnetic forces of attraction and repulsion in an axialdirection. In some examples, electromagnetic resistance generator 640can alternatively or additionally be affixed to guard rail 634 and theopposing side wall of rotating outer band 606, as shown in dashed linesin FIG. 6B.

In addition to modulating the rotational resistance of rotating outerband 606 as described above, examples of the disclosure can alsodetermine positional information such as the rotational position (e.g.,the absolute angle of the rotation position) of the outer band.Determining the rotational position can provide a number of advantages.For example, rotation of outer band 606 from one determined rotationalposition to another can be used to compute a direction of rotation, anamount or angle of rotation, and the absolute position (e.g., aclockwise relative rotation of 15 degrees to an absolute 45 degreeposition). The direction, amount, and absolute position of rotation ofouter band 606 can determine the direction and amount of scrollingthrough a list, the direction and amount of panning of an image, thedirection and amount of cursor movement, and the direction and amount ofchange of a parameter being manipulated (e.g., the amount of volumechange), to name just a few examples. In some examples, a series ofrotations (e.g., a series of angles of rotation) can be recorded torecognize gestures and initiate certain actions. For example, a seriesof back-and-forth rotations between two locations (e.g., between the 4o'clock and 6 o'clock positions) can be recognized as a gesture toinitiate a particular operation (e.g., an erase operation). In otherexamples, the rotational position, captured over time, can be used todetermine a velocity or acceleration of rotating outer band 606. Itshould be understood that the preceding description of uses isnon-limiting and merely illustrative, and that determining therotational position of outer band 606 is contemplated for other purposesas well. However, determining the rotational position can be difficultbecause rotating outer band 606 can freely move in either direction inan unlimited fashion (in the absence of applied rotational resistance),without any starting or ending points or other clear frame of reference.

FIG. 7A is a symbolic end view of rotating outer band 706 andmagnetometer 748 according to examples of the disclosure. In the exampleof FIG. 7A, rotating outer band 706 can be magnetized to form a singledipole, preferably with predictable and uniform magnetic field lines750. In some examples, rotating outer band 707 can be made of a lowcoercivity, high remanence material to retain its magnetization. In someexamples, 17-4 steel (approximately 17% chromium, 4% nickel) can beused, although other types of metal can also be employed. Magnetometer748 can be located proximate to rotating outer band 706 in an area wheremagnetic field lines 750 from the outer band are present. In someexamples, magnetometer 748 can be located in the jewel of the ring inputdevice. Magnetometer 748 can be used to obtain rotational input data andmeasure and/or compute the direction, strength, or relative change of amagnetic field from its location. Because the location of magnetometer748 acts as a point of reference from which calibrated measurements areobtained, precise placement of the magnetometer within the electricfield is not required.

FIG. 7B illustrates two symbolic side views of rotating outer band 706in two different positions, rotated 90 degrees from each other, andmagnetometer 748 located in proximity to the outer band according toexamples of the disclosure. In the upper view, rotating outer band 706is oriented with its north pole (N) at the 12 o'clock position, and itssouth pole (S) at the 6 o'clock position. In the lower view, outer band706 has been rotated clockwise by 90 degrees, so that N is at the 3o'clock position and S is at the 9 o'clock position. Note that magneticfield lines 750 have also been rotated clockwise by 90 degrees, whichchanges the strength of the magnetic field in each axis. In someexamples of the disclosure, magnetometer 748 can be a multiple axismagnetometer which can measure magnetic field strength in at least Y andZ orthogonal axes, and these measurements can thereafter be used tocompute the rotational position of outer band 706 by comparingmeasurements of magnetic field strength at the original and rotatedpositions. Although FIGS. 7A-7B shows rotating outer band 706 magnetizedto form a single dipole, in other examples the outer band can bemagnetized to form multiple dipoles. While the single dipole example ofFIG. 7A can provide the advantage of determining absolute rotationalposition, multiple dipoles can provide the advantage of higher spatialresolution, because each dipole can be used to obtain more preciserotational position information over a smaller rotational range (e.g.,0-90 degrees). However, multiple dipoles can make it more difficult todisambiguate magnetometer magnetic field strength measurements andcompute absolute rotational position information.

Magnetometer 748 can be calibrated prior to computing the rotationalposition of rotating outer band 706. Calibration can be performed priorto delivery of the final product, or by a user, by rotating the outerband one or more times. During these rotations, magnetometer 748 canmeasure the magnetic field strength along the Y and Z axes, and theinfluence of the earth's magnetic field can be ignored, because it canbe on the order of 1% of the magnetic field produced by the magnetizedouter band. In some examples, these magnetic field strength values canthen be normalized to values between −1.0 and +1.0, for example.However, if magnetometer 748 is to be calibrated to compensate for theearth's magnetic field, then the magnetometer may be required to measurethe magnetic field strength along all three axes (X, Y and Z axes).

FIG. 8A is a normalized plot of rotation angle vs. magnetic fieldstrength along the Y axis (plot 852) and along the Z axis (plot 854)according to one example of the disclosure. FIG. 8B is a normalized plot856 of magnetic field strength along the Z axis vs. magnetic fieldstrength along the Y axis according to the example of FIG. 8A. Ideally,the plot of FIG. 8B would be a circle with points at (0.0, 1.0), (1.0,0.0), (0.0, −1.0), and (−1.0, 0.0) (clockwise from the 12 o'clockposition), and the Y and Z plots of FIG. 8A would be more regular andsinsusoidal in shape, but due to imperfect, non-uniform magnetization ofthe outer rotating band (which can result in less predictability in themagnetic field lines), the plots can be distorted, as shown in FIGS.8A-8B.

FIG. 8C is a plot 858 of rotation angle true position (in degrees) vs.calculated position (in degrees) according to the example of FIGS.8A-8B. The calculated (absolute) position can be computed as θ=arctan 2(Y,Z), where Y is the measured (normalized) magnetic field strengthalong the Y axis, and Z is the measured (normalized) magnetic fieldstrength along the Z axis. Ideally, the plot of FIG. 8C would be linear,but due to imperfect magnetization the plot can contain someperturbations. In some examples of the disclosure, a calibration lookuptable can be used to apply offsets to the calculated positions so thatthe resulting calibrated positions can produce a more linear plot thanthe plot shown in FIG. 8C. This calibration lookup table can bepopulated with offset values based on empirical data taken prior to thedelivery of the final product, or it can be populated during fieldcalibrations that are initiated by a user, or initiated periodicallyaccording to an automated calibration plan. In other examples, insteadof a calibration lookup table, the offset values can be computed usingpiecewise estimates or using a specific formula based on pre-storedcalibration information.

In some examples of the disclosure, Hall effect sensors can be utilizedinstead of a magnetometer. Multiple Hall effect sensors (e.g., threeHall effect sensors) can be affixed to the inner band and used todetermine an absolute rotational position of rotating outer band 706when the outer band is magnetized to form a single dipole. In someinstances, Hall effect sensors can be advantageously utilized on theinner band to detect outer band rotations when space issues prevent amagnetometer from being located inside the jewel.

Although the magnetometer can be used to determine the rotationalposition of the rotating outer band, in some situations it can bedifficult for a user to actually rotate the band, or determine thatrotation of the band is actually occurring, particularly when visualconfirmation of rotation is inconvenient or impossible.

FIG. 9A is a symbolic perspective view of ring input device 900including rotating outer band 906 with physical indicators such asgrooves 960 according to examples of the disclosure. In the example ofFIG. 9A, rotating outer band 906 can include grooves 960 to enable auser to feel the band and determine whether the band is actuallyrotating, or whether the band is stationary or nearly stationary and theuser's finger is merely sliding over the band. Although grooves 960 areillustrated in FIG. 9A, in other examples physical indicators such asraised ridges, cavities, bumps and the like can also be formed onrotating outer band 906 to provide the user with tactile feedback as analternative to visual feedback. In some examples, grooves 960 or otherindicators can be spaced at certain intervals to give the user a senseof the amount of rotation. For example, if grooves 960 are spaced at 30degree intervals, a user that repetitively brushes outer band 906 with afinger to rotate the band may be able to feel the passage of multiplegrooves, and can stop when the desired amount of rotation is achieved.

In some examples, ring input device 900 may include linear resonantactuator (LRA) 962 or other haptic feedback device. LRA 962 can includea mass that moves linearly to generate haptic feedback. In the exampleof FIG. 9A, LRA 962 is located in jewel 910, but in other examples itmay be located elsewhere in ring input device 900. In some examples, asan alternative to grooves 960, LRA 962 can generate a vibration or otherforce when rotating outer band 906 has rotated a certain number ofdegrees, as determined using the previously described magnetometer. Inother examples, LRA 962 (or other haptic feedback generator) cangenerate haptic feedback at specific times based on the amount ofrotation, a computed angular velocity and/or acceleration of rotatingouter band 906, and/or the UI being manipulated, in either a uniform ornon-uniform manner. For example, if it is determined that a UI includinga short (e.g., 10 item) list is being scrolled, haptic feedback can beuniformly generated as each item in the list is highlighted. On theother hand, if the list is long (e.g., 100 items), haptic feedback canbe generated as every 10th item is highlighted. In some examples, if thedetected angular velocity is low (e.g., less than 90 degrees of rotationper second), haptic feedback can be generated as each item in the listis highlighted. However, if the detected angular velocity is high (e.g.,greater than 90 degrees of rotation per second), haptic feedback can begenerated as every 10th item is highlighted, or every 10th of a second,for example. Haptic feedback can also be generated non-uniformly. Forexample, based on an initial angular acceleration and/or velocitydetermination of rotating outer band 906, “momentum” scrolling of a UIcan be performed, wherein the UI can scroll through a list of items thatsharply increases in velocity, reaches a steady state, then decays invelocity until it stops. Haptic feedback can be non-uniformly generatedto track the movement of the UI by increasing in frequency, reaching asteady state, and then decreasing in frequency until it stops,regardless of whether motion of outer band 906 continues after theinitial angular acceleration and/or velocity determination. However, ifouter band 906 is held or otherwise dampened to slow or stop rotation ofthe band, the haptic feedback can non-uniformly decrease in frequency tofollow the deceleration of the band.

In some examples, LRA 962 (or other haptic feedback generator) cangenerate different types of haptic feedback based on the amount ofrotation, a computed angular velocity and/or acceleration of rotatingouter band 906, and/or the UI being manipulated, in either a uniform ornon-uniform manner. For example, if the detected angular velocity ofrotating outer band 906 is low, haptic feedback can be generated tosimulate the feeling of a band being rotated with higher friction, and acoarse texture. In another example, if the detected angular velocity ofrotating outer band 906 is high, haptic feedback can be generated tosimulate the feeling of a band being rotated with lower friction, and asmoother texture. In another example, different textures of hapticfeedback can be generated when an inertial measurement unit (describedbelow) in ring input device 900 is used to move a 3D object in acomputer-generated environment.

In other examples, LRA 962 can be used in conjunction with grooves 960,such that a vibration is generated each time the rotation of outer band906 causes a groove to pass a certain location, where it can be detectedusing an optical sensor or the like. LRA 962 can also be used togenerate haptic feedback independent of any rotation of outer band 906.For example, LRA 962 can generate haptic feedback to provide an alert toa user based on movement detected by an inertial measurement unit(discussed below), sound inputs (e.g., audio commands), sensor inputs,and/or signals (e.g., notifications) received wirelessly at ring inputdevice 900, even when outer ring 906 is stationary.

In addition to rotating outer band 906 to initiate or perform operationsas described above, examples of the disclosure can also determinepositional information such as the orientation and movement of ringinput device 900 itself in free space. Determining the orientation andmovement of ring input device 900 in free space can provide a number ofadvantages. For example, a wearer of ring input device 900 can move thering around in free space to generate rotational or orientation signals,or perform gestures such as hand swipes or waving that can trigger thewireless transmission of commands to a companion device. In oneparticular example, the orientation and movement of ring input device900 from one position to another can be used to move a cursor on a userinterface or a 3D object being displayed. In some examples, the gesturescan be recognized in ring input device 900, and in other examples, datacan be wirelessly transmitted for gesture processing by another device.It should be understood that the preceding description of uses isnon-limiting and merely illustrative, and that determining theorientation and movement of ring input device 900 is contemplated forother purposes as well.

An inertial measurement unit (IMU) 964 can be used to determine theorientation and movement of ring input device 900. In the example ofFIG. 9A, IMU 964 is located in jewel 910, but in other examples it maybe located elsewhere in ring input device 900. In some examples, IMU 964can include one or more accelerometers to detect linear acceleration andgyroscopes to detect rotational rate. In some examples, IMU 964 caninclude an accelerometer and gyroscope for each of the principal axes:pitch, roll and yaw. In some examples, IMU 964 can transmit positionalinformation to a processor within jewel 910 to enable the jewel tocompute the orientation, position and movement of ring input device 900.In other examples, one or more of these computations can be performedwithin IMU 964.

FIG. 9B is a symbolic view of a user interface with icons 966 displayedon the touchscreen of companion device 968 according to examples of thedisclosure. In the example of FIG. 9B, a touch input (explainedhereinbelow) on rotating outer band 906 of a ring input device can bedetected, and a signal can be wirelessly transmitted to companion device968 to display a user interface and a cursor at initial position 970(e.g., in the center of the user interface), or to display the cursor ifthe user interface was already being displayed. Thereafter, movement ofring input device 900 can be detected, and the cursor can move on theuser interface in accordance with the detected movements of the ring. Inthe example of FIG. 9B, the cursor has moved to present location 972. Insome examples, a press input (explained hereinbelow) can select the iconappearing under the cursor. In other examples, LRA 962 can generatehaptic feedback as the cursor moves over an icon, providing additionaladvantageous feedback to the user. It should be understand that theexample of FIG. 9B is only one example of how IMU 964 can be utilizedalong with movements of ring input device 900 to initiate and/or performoperations on a companion device.

When IMU 964 in ring input device 900 is used to control an object suchas a 3D object being displayed, in some examples the virtual object canbe rotated along all three axes (X, Y and Z). However, in otherexamples, one or two of the axes can be locked to limit the rotation ofthe object. For example, the Y axis can be locked such that movement ofring input device 900 can only cause rotations of the object about the Xand/or Z axis. In some examples, moving a cursor over an axis, followedby a press input on outer band 906, can cause that axis to be locked.Locking an axis can eliminate unintended motion and enable more precisemovements to be detected by ring input device 900.

In addition to detecting the position of ring input device 900 ordetecting the rotational position of outer ring 906 with or withoutmodulated resistance a described above, detecting presses on rotatingouter band 906 can provide additional advantages. For example, afterouter band 906 is rotated to a desired position, one or more detectedpresses on the band can initiate further action, such as selection of anitem. Even in the absence of rotation, a press on rotating outer band906 can initiate operations, such as triggering a left mouse click input(single click) or a right mouse click input (double click), moving indiscrete steps through a list, moving through a document using pageview, jumping to different items or icons, incrementing or decrementinga parameter, or terminating an operation. A press and hold input, or apress and rotate input, can also be detected to perform or initiateother operations. It should be understood that the preceding descriptionof uses is non-limiting and merely illustrative, and that detectingpresses on rotating outer band 906 is contemplated for other purposes aswell.

FIG. 10A is a side view of band mechanism 1002 of a ring input deviceincluding low friction contact points 1074 and button bearings 1076according to examples of the disclosure. As defined herein, a buttonbearing is a mechanism that acts both as a button and also as alow-friction bearing. Low friction contact points 1074 and buttonbearings 1076 can allow outer band 1006 to rotate about stationary innerband 1004 with reduced friction. In some examples, both low frictioncontact points 1074 and button bearings 1076 can be ball bearings. Inother examples, low friction contact points 1074 can be fixed contactpoints that extend along most or all of the width of stationary innerband 1004, while button bearings 1076 can be ball bearings. In stillother examples, low friction contact points 1074 can be fixed contactpoints, while button bearings 1076 can be pressure-sensitive inputmechanisms such as dome switches or other types of switches ormechanisms capable of generating “open” and “closed” states. Thesepressure-sensitive input mechanisms can include resistive strain gaugesensors whose resistance changes with pressure, optical strain gaugesensors whose reflected light properties change with pressure, and moregenerally analog force sensors capable of generating analog outputvalues in response to different levels of pressure. Other examples ofpressure-sensitive input mechanisms can include capacitive forcesensors, whose capacitance across two plates changes as pressure causesa deformable material between the two plates to compress and change thedistance between the plates. Using pressure-sensitive input mechanismsfor button bearings 1076 creates a multi-functional element, where thepressure-sensitive input mechanisms serves as both a bearing forrotating outer band 1006 and also a mechanism for generating a pressinput.

FIG. 10B is an enlarged side view of a pressure-sensitive inputmechanism in the form of dome switch button bearing 1076 as indicated bythe dashed lines in FIG. 10A according to examples of the disclosure. Insome examples, dome switch button bearing 1076 can include acompressible dome (pointing downwards in the example of FIG. 10B) madeof a nonconductive material such as rubber or polyurethane that cancompress under pressure but return to its original shape in the absenceof pressure. Within compressible dome are one or more pairs of contactsthat make electrical contact (e.g., short-circuit) when the dome issufficiently compressed, but remain open in the absence of sufficientcompression. Although two-stage dome switches (open or closed) areprimarily disclosed herein, it should be understood that dome switchesaccording to examples of the disclosure can include multiple-stage domeswitches.

Referring again to FIG. 10A, pressure applied to rotating outer band1006 at or near the locations of low friction contact points 1074 shouldresult in little or no compression or movement when the contact pointsare formed as fixed contact points. Thus, fixed contact points can beused in locations where a press input is not expected, such as under thejewel. However, pressure applied to rotating outer band 1006 at or nearthe locations of dome switch button bearings 1076 can result incompression or movement of the dome switches, and possibly activation ofthe switches. The activation area of the dome switches can depend on theconfiguration of the dome switches (for example, the height of the dome,and/or the size and shape of the base upon which the dome sits), the gapbetween stationary inner band 1004 and rotating outer band 1006, and thematerial of the inner band. In some examples, pressure applied withinabout 45 degrees on either side of the dome switches can still activate(i.e., close) the switches. Although two dome switch button bearings1076 are shown in FIG. 10A, in other examples only a single dome switchcan be employed, or three or more dome switches can also be utilized.With two or more dome switches, different functions can be initiateddepending on which dome switch is pressed, or the same function can beinitiated regardless of which dome switch is pressed. In some examples,pressure applied between two adjacent dome switches can activate bothswitches, which can initiate other functions.

As mentioned above, the activation area of the dome switches can vary.Variations in the activation area of a dome switch (and therefore theactivation area of a button within the band mechanism of a ring inputdevice) can provide a number of advantages. For example, a wideactivation area can allow a user to activate a button without having toprecisely know the location of that button within the rotating outerband. This can be especially useful when the user wants to press abutton but is not looking at the ring. On the other hand, a narrowactivation area can enable multiple buttons to be placed within the bandmechanism, with each button capable of being activated independently.Narrow activation areas can also reduce inadvertent button presses.

FIGS. 11A-11B are simplified symbolic side views (not to scale) ofrotating outer band 1106 and stationary inner band 1104, with the innerbands having different levels of rigidity according to examples of thedisclosure. FIG. 11A is an example of a dome switch with a wideactivation area, where stationary inner band 1104 can be formed from amaterial having high rigidity. When pressure is applied on rotatingouter band 1106 at a location offset from dome switch button bearing1176, because neither the outer band nor stationary inner band 1104experiences significant deformation, sufficient pressure can be appliedagainst the dome switch to activate it. In some examples, pressure canbe applied as much as 60 degrees or more on either side of dome switchbutton bearing 1176 to activate the switch.

In contrast, FIG. 11B is an example of a dome switch with a narroweractivation area, where stationary inner band 1104 can be formed from asofter, more flexible material. When pressure is applied on rotatingouter band 1106 at a location offset from dome switch button bearing1176, the outer band can contact the dome switch without activating it.As pressure on the dome switch continues (without sufficient pressure toactivate the switch), stationary inner band 1104 can begin to deform,and may continue to deform until it contacts rotating outer band 1106 atlocations 1178. At this point, further deformation of stationary innerband 1104 may cease, leaving dome switch button bearing 1176 withoutsufficient pressure to activate it. In the example of FIG. 11B,activation may occur only when the pressure is applied close enough todome switch button bearing 1176 such that the switch is activated beforedeformed stationary inner band 1104 makes contact with rotating outerband 1106. In some examples, pressure can be applied no further thanabout 5 degrees on either side of dome switch button bearing 1176 beforeinner band 1104 contacts outer band 1106 and prevents activation of theswitch.

FIG. 11C is a simplified symbolic side view (not to scale) of rotatingouter band 1106 and stationary inner band 1104, with the inner bandshaving stoppers 1180 on either side of dome switch button bearing 1176according to examples of the disclosure. In the example of FIG. 11C,stoppers 1180 are utilized to narrow the activation area of dome switchbutton bearing 1176. Stoppers 1180 can be button bearings or fixedcontact points that allow for direct pressure on dome switch buttonbearing 1176 to activate the switch, but also limit the radial travel ofrotating outer band 1106 to prevent it from activating the switch whenpressure is applied at a location offset from that of the switch. Whenpressure is initially applied on rotating outer band 1106 at a locationoffset from dome switch button bearing 1176, the outer band may contactthe dome switch without activating it. As pressure on the dome switchcontinues (without sufficient pressure to activate the switch), rotatingouter band 1106 can come into contact with stopper 1180. At this point,further pressure on dome switch button bearing 1176 may cease, leavingthe switch without sufficient pressure to activate it. In the example ofFIG. 11C, activation may occur only when the pressure is applied closeenough to dome switch button bearing 1176 such that the switch isactivated before stopper 1180 makes contact with rotating outer band1106.

In addition to detecting presses on outer band 1106 as described above,detecting touches on the outer band can provide additional advantages.For example, touch sensing can help distinguish a valid press input(e.g., caused by a user's finger) from an inadvertent press input (e.g.,accidentally pressing outer band 1106 against a desk or other ungroundedobject). In another example, after outer band 1106 is rotated to adesired position, one or more detected touches or taps on the band(without detected presses) can initiate further actions. Even in theabsence of rotation, one or more detected touches or taps on outer band1106 can initiate operations, such as bringing up a user interface, or“peeking” to temporarily view content. A touch-and-hold input, or atouch-and-rotate input (as opposed to a swipe-to-rotate input), can alsobe detected to perform or initiate other operations. It should beunderstood that the preceding description of uses is non-limiting andmerely illustrative, and that detecting touches on rotating outer band1106 is contemplated for other purposes as well.

FIG. 12A is a symbolic side view of a portion of band mechanism 1202including stationary inner band 1204 and rotating outer band 1206 withsliding contacts 1282 to provide touch sensing according to examples ofthe disclosure. In some examples, touch sensing can be accomplished byutilizing the entire conductive outer band 1206 as a self-capacitancetouch electrode, where the electrode's self-capacitance to ground can bemeasured, and changes to this self-capacitance can be detected andrecognized as being the result of a touch. In the example of FIG. 12A,sliding contacts 1282 can be affixed to stationary inner band 1204 andcan make electrical contact with outer band 1206 (acting as aself-capacitance electrode) when the outer band is stationary, and cancontinue to maintain sliding contact with the outer band when itrotates, providing an electrical connection from outer band 1206 toinner band 1204. Although FIG. 12A shows two sliding contacts 1282, inother examples only one sliding contact can be used, or more than twosliding contacts can be used. In addition, one or more ground contacts(not shown) on the interior of inner band 1204 can provide a referenceground for the ring input device, which can be coupled to earth groundwhen a user is wearing the ring and making contact with the groundcontacts. With the electrical connections to the self-capacitanceelectrode and reference ground available at inner band 1204, theself-capacitance of outer band 1206 can be measured and touches can bedetected.

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of stationary inner band 1204 showingleaf spring sliding contact 1282 on stationary inner band 1204 accordingto examples of the disclosure. In the example of FIG. 12B, leaf springsliding contact 1282 is oriented perpendicular to the direction ofrotation of the outer band (not shown in FIG. 12B). Although FIG. 12 Billustrates sliding contact 1282 as a leaf spring, in other examplesdifferent types of sliding contacts can be utilized, including brushes,fixed or rotating conductive bearings, and the like. In addition, inother examples the orientation of the sliding contact can be parallel tothe direction of rotation of the outer band. In further examples, outerband 1206 can be formed from two parallel conductive (but isolated)circumferential strips, sliding contact 1282 can be formed as twoisolated contacts oriented in parallel to the direction of rotation ofthe outer band for separately contacting the circumferential strips, andmutual capacitance sensing can be performed between the twocircumferential strips.

FIG. 13A is a symbolic side view of a section of band mechanism 1302showing button bearing 1376 affixed to inner band 1304, where the buttonbearing can also serve as a sliding contact according to examples of thedisclosure. In the example of FIG. 13A, instead of utilizing a separatesliding contact to provide electrical contact with outer band 1306,conductive surface 1384 can be added to the previously described domeswitch button bearing 1376 to provide the sliding contact.

Dome switch button bearing 1376 can include a nonconductive (e.g.,rubber) dome, and button trace 1386 can be connected to a switch orbipolar mechanism in the dome switch (represented symbolically as asingle pole, single throw switch in FIG. 13A). However, in the exampleof FIG. 13A, conductive surface 1384 can be added to the nonconductivedome, and touch trace 1388 can be connected to the conductive surface.In addition, ground contact 1390 on the interior of inner band 1304 canprovide a reference ground for the ring input device, which can becoupled to earth ground when a user is wearing the ring and makingcontact with the ground contacts. In some examples, the “throw” contactof the switch mechanism can also be connected to ground contact 1390.With button trace 1386, touch trace 1388 and ground contact 1390available at inner band 1304, both a press of dome switch button bearing1376 and a touch anywhere along outer band 1306 can be detected. Thus,dome switch button bearing 1376 can serve three functions: it can act asa bearing between inner band 1304 and outer band 1306, it can providetouch trace 1388 for touch sensing, and it can provide button trace 1386for press input sensing.

FIG. 13B is a symbolic side view of a section of band mechanism 1302showing dome switch button bearing 1376 affixed to inner band 1304,where the button bearing can also serve as a sliding contact with areduced number of traces according to examples of the disclosure. Theexample of FIG. 13B is similar to FIG. 13A, except that button trace1386 and touch trace 1388 can be electrically coupled together andbrought out of button bearing 1376 as a single dual-function trace 1392.This reduction of a trace can advantageously reduce the number ofconductive lines, contacts, pads and pins needed to route the trace tothe jewel of the ring input device, reduce cost, save space, andincrease reliability. This reduction of a trace is possible becausedual-function trace 1392 (which connects together button trace 1386 andtouch trace 1388) can be utilized for different purposes at differenttimes. As shown in FIG. 13B, when dome switch button bearing 1376 is notactivated (i.e., the switch is open), dual-function trace 1392 isconnected only to outer band 1306 via conductive surface 1384, and thetrace can be used to read the self-capacitance on the conductive surface(i.e., detect a touch) in the usual manner. When sufficient pressure hasbeen applied to activate dome switch button bearing 1376 (i.e., theswitch is closed), the closed switch can force trace 1392 to a fixedpotential (e.g., ground 1390), which can indicate that a valid pressinput has been received. At this point, because trace 1392 is held at afixed potential, it can no longer be used to detect a touch. However,because a valid press input implies a touch, touch detection is nolonger needed, and the fixed potential on trace 1392 can be interpretedas a valid touch.

FIG. 13C is a symbolic side view of a section of band mechanism 1302showing sliding contact 1382 and button bearing 1376 affixed to innerband 1304 with a reduced number of traces according to examples of thedisclosure. The example of FIG. 13C is similar to FIG. 13B, except thatinstead of a conductive surface of dome switch button bearing 1376providing electrical contact with conductive outer band 1306, a singlesliding contact 1382 (discussed above) is used for that purpose.Nevertheless, button trace 1386 and touch trace 1388 can be electricallycoupled together and brought out of button bearing 1376 as a singledual-function trace 1392. As with the examples of FIG. 13B, thisreduction of a trace provides advantages and is possible becausedual-function trace 1392 (which connects together button trace 186 andtouch trace 1388) can be utilized for different purposes at differenttimes. As shown in FIG. 13B, when dome switch button bearing 1376 is notactivated (i.e., the switch is open), dual-function trace 1392 isconnected only to outer band 1306 via sliding contact 1382, and thetrace can be used to read the self-capacitance on the conductive surface(i.e., detect a touch) in the usual manner. When sufficient pressure hasbeen applied to activate dome switch button bearing 1376 (i.e., theswitch is closed), the closed switch can force dual-function trace 1392to a fixed potential (e.g., ground 1390), which can indicate that avalid press input has been received. At this point, becausedual-function trace 1392 is held at a fixed potential it can no longerbe used to detect a touch. However, because a valid press input impliesa touch, touch detection is no longer needed, and the fixed potential ondual-function trace 1392 can be interpreted as a valid touch.

FIG. 13D is flowchart of a method for detecting a valid touch or pressinput on a ring input device according to examples of the disclosure. Inthe example of FIG. 13D, at 1394 it can be determined whether outer band1306 is being held at a fixed potential (e.g., ground), indicating thatthe dome switch has been activated (i.e., the dome switch is closed).When it is determined that outer band 1306 is not being held at a fixedpotential (i.e., the dome switch is open), then at 1396 theself-capacitance of outer band 1306 can be determined. At 1398 it can bedetermined whether the self-capacitance is greater than a predeterminedthreshold (indicative of valid a touch from a grounded object such as afinger). When the self-capacitance is greater than the predeterminedthreshold, then at 1399 it can be determined that a valid touch inputwithout a valid press input has been received, and thereafter the methodcan be re-initiated at 1394. When the self-capacitance is not greaterthan the predetermined threshold, then at 1397 it can be determined thatno valid touch input and no valid press input has been received, and themethod can thereafter be re-initiated at 1394. The predeterminedthreshold can be selected such that unintended touches of ungrounded orpoorly grounded objects against outer band 1306 (e.g., hitting outerband 1306 against a table) should not increase the self-capacitance ofouter band 1306 above the predetermined threshold and cause a validtouch input to be recognized.

At 1394, a determination that outer band 1306 is being held at a fixedpotential does not necessarily mean that a valid press input has beenreceived, because an accidental press input can also activate (close)dome switch button bearing 1376 and force outer band 1306 to the fixedreference potential (e.g., ground). However, as mentioned above, touchsensing can help distinguish a valid press input (e.g., caused by auser's finger) from an inadvertent press input (e.g., caused byaccidentally pressing outer band 1306 against an ungrounded object suchas a desk). Because a valid touch input should always precede a validpress input, to disambiguate a valid press input from an inadvertentpress input, when outer band 1306 is determined to be held at a fixedpotential at 1394, then at 1395 a further determination can be made asto whether the self-capacitance of outer band 1306 was greater than thepredetermined threshold (indicative of a valid touch input) just priorto the determination that the outer band was driven to a fixedpotential. In some examples, this can be accomplished by saving thedetermined state of outer band at periodic intervals (e.g., 100millisecond intervals). A valid press input (e.g., caused by a user'sfinger) will produce a sequence of valid touch input readings (i.e.,self-capacitance levels above the predetermined threshold) prior to afixed potential reading. An invalid press input (e.g., caused by anungrounded or poorly grounded object) will produce a sequence of invalidtouch input readings (i.e., self-capacitance levels below thepredetermined threshold) prior to a fixed potential reading. When thevalid press input sequence is captured, then at 1391 it can be concludedthat a valid press input has been received, and the method canthereafter be re-initiated at 1394. On the other hand, when the invalidpress input sequence is captured, then at 1393 it can be concluded thata valid press input has not been received (e.g., only a press input froma nonconductive object was received), and the method can thereafter bere-initiated at 1394.

FIG. 13E is a symbolic side view of a section of band mechanism 1302showing two dome switch button bearings 1376 affixed to inner band 1304,where the button bearings can serve as sliding contacts with a reducednumber of traces according to examples of the disclosure. In the exampleof FIG. 13E, the button traces 1386 and touch traces 1388 of both domeswitch button bearings 1376 are all electrically connected together andbrought out as a single trace 1392. This reduction of three traces canadvantageously reduce the number of conductive lines, contacts, pads andpins needed to route the trace to the jewel of the ring input device,reduce cost, save space, and increase reliability. This reduction oftraces is possible because trace 1392 can be utilized for differentpurposes at different times. As shown in FIG. 13E, when both dome switchbutton bearings 1376 are not activated (i.e., the switches are open),trace 1392 is connected only to outer band 1306 via the touch traces1388 and conductive surfaces 1384 of both dome switches, and trace 1392can be used to read the self-capacitance on outer band 1306 (i.e.,detect a touch) in the usual manner. When sufficient pressure has beenapplied to activate the center dome switch button bearing 1376 in FIG.13E (i.e., the switch is closed), the closed switch can force trace 1392to a first fixed potential (e.g., ground 1390), which can indicate thata valid press input has been received at the center dome switch. On theother hand, when sufficient pressure has been applied to activate theleft dome switch button bearing 1376 in FIG. 13E (i.e., the switch isclosed), the closed switch can force trace 1392 to a second fixedpotential (e.g., Vcc 1389), which can indicate that a valid press inputhas been received at the left dome switch. Thus, the voltage level ofthe fixed potential at trace 1392 can determine which dome switch buttonbearing 1376 is being pressed. In either situation, because trace 1392is held at a fixed potential when either of the two dome switch buttonbearings 1376 is pressed, it can no longer be used to detect a touch.However, because a valid press input implies a touch, touch detection isno longer needed, and the fixed potential on trace 1392 can be assumedto be a valid touch. It should be understood that in the example of FIG.13E, the two dome switch button bearings 1376 should not be activated atthe same time, otherwise a short circuit between Vcc and ground, forexample, could occur.

FIG. 14A is a system block diagram of electronic jewel system 1410 of aring input device including scroll ball 1489 and touch sensor 1487according to examples of the disclosure. The example of FIG. 14A issimilar to the system of FIG. 2 , except that it includes scroll ball1489 and touch sensor 1487. In some examples, touch sensor 1487 can bean optical sensor, but other examples it can be a capacitive touchsensor, a resistive touch sensor, an ultrasonic touch sensor, and thelike. In some examples, either scroll ball 1489 or touch sensor 1487 canbe included in electronic jewel system 1410, but not both. In otherexamples, both scroll ball 1489 and touch sensor 1487 can be employed.Although the dashed lines of scroll ball 1489 and touch sensor 1487indicate their optional nature, it should be understood that dashed andsolid lines throughout the drawings are not intended to conclusivelyconvey optional or required features. For example, IMU 1426,magnetometer 1428, haptics generator 1430, scroll ball 1489 and touchsensor 1487 in FIG. 14A can all be utilized or omitted in any number ofcombinations and permutations, as evidenced by the use of the word“example” or “examples” throughout the disclosure to ensure that nofigure or description is interpreted as a requirement.

FIG. 14B is a symbolic perspective view of ring input device 1400including electronic jewel system 1410 with scroll ball 1489 and touchsensor 1487 according to examples of the disclosure. As discussed above,in some examples electronic jewel system 1410 can include scroll ball1489. Scroll ball 1489 can be used as an alternative to rotating outerband 1406 or in addition to the rotating outer band to providedirectional input in two dimensions. Although not shown in FIG. 14B, insome examples scroll ball 1489 can also include a tactile switch todetect a press input on the scroll ball. The tactile switch can be usedas an alternative to, or in addition to a press input on rotating outerband. Scroll ball 1489 can enable a user to provide directional input intwo dimensions to perform operations such as moving a cursor, scrollingthrough a list, panning an image, and the like. The tactile switch canbe used for selecting an item, performing a mouse click, moving ortaking discrete steps or increments, and the like. Similar operationscan be performed by touch sensor 1487, which in some examples can alsoinclude a tactile switch (not shown).

In some examples, inputs from scroll ball 1489 and/or touch sensor 1487can be utilized in combination with inputs from one or more otherdevices such as rotating outer band 1406 (and press inputs detectablethereon), IMU 1464 and/or magnetometer 1428 to generate different typesof gesture inputs to perform or initiate different operations. Toprovide just one example (of many possible examples) for purposes ofillustration only, two-dimensional movement on scroll ball 1489 can bedetected along with up-and-down movement of ring input device 1400 (fromIMU 1426) to move an object in three dimensions in a computer-generatedenvironment.

As described above, the ring input device according to the examples ofthe disclosure can include a band mechanism having a stationary innerband and a rotating outer band. In some examples of the disclosure, therotating outer band can be made out of a conductive material such assteel. The other parts of the band mechanism can be made of metal,ceramic, leather, fabric and the like to provide fashion choices. Theband mechanism can be wide or narrow.

As described above, the rotating outer band can produce variablerotational resistance, sense the rotational position of the outer band,detect the orientation and movement of the ring itself, provide hapticfeedback whether the outer band is rotating or stationary, and canprovide press and touch input sensing. The ring input device can be usedto provide inputs to companion wearable devices such as smart watches,health monitoring devices, headphones and ear buds, provide inputs tohandheld devices such as smartphones, tablet and laptop computingdevices, media players, styluses, wands or gloves for computer-generatedenvironments, and provide inputs to stationary devices such as desktopcomputers, smart home control and entertainment devices. In someexamples, the ring input device can receive input from a companiondevice and provide information to the wearer of the ring (e.g., alerts).

Because of its touch and press input capabilities, the outer band can besusceptible to inadvertent touch or press inputs from a wearer's otherfingers. For example, if the ring input device is worn on the ring ormiddle finger, fingers on either side of the ring can accidentallygenerate touch or press inputs on either side of the ring, whereas ifthe ring is worn on the index finger, only the middle finger canaccidentally generate touch or press inputs on one side of the ring.Accordingly, in some examples the ring portion can be protected by oneor more guards to prevent adjacent fingers or other objects fromgenerating accidental touches. In some examples, the ring input devicecan have a permanent guard and also locations for attachable (e.g.,snap-fit) guards. These guards can be configurable to protect differentareas of the outer band, depending on which finger the ring is beingworn on.

As described above, the ring input device according to examples of thedisclosure can include a jewel that can contain most of the electronicsof the ring. In some examples, the jewel can be removably connectable tothe band mechanism using pogo pins or other electrical or magneticconnections. The jewel can be made or configured with different shapes,styles and/or colors to provide a fashion choice. The ability to attachdifferent jewels to different band mechanisms can advantageously enablea single jewel design to work with different sizes of band mechanisms(for different finger sizes), to enable the replacement of one jewelwith another, and to provide opportunities for mix-and-match fashionchoices. In addition, the ability to attach different jewels can enablejewels with different capabilities to be connected to the bandmechanism. For example, different jewel designs can include differentcomponents for different sensing capabilities, larger or smallerbatteries, different features, and different price points to enable auser to utilize a jewel most suited to the user's needs.

In some examples, the removable jewel can advantageously allow the jewelto be removed and charged in a separate dock, charging pad, or by usinga connector, while the band mechanism remains on the wearer's finger. Inother example, the ring input device can be removed from the wearer andcharged as a single until. The closed loop configuration of the bandmechanism of the ring input device can allow coils to be placed insidethe band mechanism, and the ring can be slipped over a cylindrical poston a charging device for inductive charging.

Although various examples and features of the ring input device may havebeen described above in different paragraphs and shown in differentfigures for convenience of explanation, it should be understood thatdifferent permutations and combinations of these features arecontemplated in different examples of the disclosure.

Therefore, according to the above, some examples of the disclosure aredirected to a ring input device capable of detecting a press input, thering input device comprising a band mechanism having an outer band andan inner band, a first pressure-sensitive input mechanism formed on theinner band and disposed between the inner band and the outer band, andan electronic jewel system communicatively couplable to the bandmechanism, wherein the first pressure-sensitive input mechanism isconfigured for providing a first signal to the electronic jewel systemfor generating a first press input when the first pressure-sensitiveinput mechanisms is activated. As an alternative to or in addition toone more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the firstpressure-sensitive input mechanism is configured to act as a bearing forthe outer band in addition to generating the first press input. As analternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosedabove, in some examples the first pressure-sensitive input mechanism isconfigured to be activated when pressure within a first activation areaon the outer band is received. As an alternative to or in addition toone more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples a material ofthe inner band, at least around the first pressure-sensitive inputmechanism, is selected with a particular rigidity to provide the firstactivation area on the outer band of about 60 degrees on either side ofthe first pressure-sensitive input mechanism. As an alternative to or inaddition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examplesthe first pressure-sensitive input mechanism is a button bearing. As analternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosedabove, in some examples the button bearing is a dome switch. As analternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosedabove, in some examples a material of the inner band, at least aroundthe first pressure-sensitive input mechanism, is selected with aparticular rigidity such that pressure on the outer band at a locationoffset from the first pressure-sensitive input mechanism causes theinner band to deform and contact the outer band prior to activation ofthe first pressure-sensitive input mechanism. As an alternative to or inaddition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples amaterial of the inner band, at least around the first pressure-sensitiveinput mechanism, is selected with a particular rigidity to produce aparticular activation area. As an alternative to or in addition to onemore of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the ring inputdevice further comprises a plurality of stoppers formed on the innerband on either side of the first pressure-sensing mechanism, theplurality of stoppers configured such that pressure on the outer band ata location offset from the first pressure-sensitive input mechanismcauses the outer band to contact one of the stoppers prior to activationof the first pressure-sensitive input mechanism. As an alternative to orin addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in someexamples the ring input device further comprises one or more contactpoints formed on the inner band and disposed between the inner band andthe outer band, the one or more contact points located at areas of theband mechanism insensitive to pressure on the outer band. As analternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosedabove, in some examples the ring input device further comprises a secondpressure-sensitive input mechanism formed on the inner band and disposedbetween the inner band and the outer band, wherein the secondpressure-sensitive input mechanism is configured for providing a secondsignal to the electronic jewel system for generating a second pressinput when the second pressure-sensitive input mechanisms is activated.As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examplesdisclosed above, in some examples the outer band is configured to rotatewith respect to the inner band, the electronic jewel system isconfigured for computing a rotational position of the outer band, andthe electronic jewel system is configured for initiating an operationbased on the first press input and the rotational position of the outerband.

Some examples of the disclosure are directed to a method for detecting apress input on a ring input device, comprising providing a first bearingbetween an outer band and an inner band of the ring input device forenabling rotation of the outer band with respect to the inner band, andgenerating a first press input when a first pressure applied on theouter band at the first bearing causes a first pressure threshold at thefirst bearing to be exceeded. As an alternative to or in addition to oneor more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples of thedisclosure the method further comprises providing a first activationarea on the outer band, wherein the application of the first pressurewithin the first activation area causes the first pressure threshold atthe first bearing to be exceeded, and wherein the application of thefirst pressure outside the first activation area prevents the firstpressure threshold at the first bearing from being exceeded. As analternative to or in addition to one or more of the examples disclosedabove, in some examples of the disclosure the method further comprisesselecting a material of the inner band, at least around the firstbearing, to have a particular rigidity to provide the first activationarea on the outer band of about 60 degrees on either side of the firstbearing. As an alternative to or in addition to one or more of theexamples disclosed above, in some examples of the disclosure the methodfurther comprises selecting a material of the inner band, at leastaround the first bearing, to have a particular flexibility such thatpressure on the outer band at a location offset from the first bearingcauses the inner band to deform and contact the outer band prior to thefirst pressure threshold at the first bearing being exceeded. As analternative to or in addition to one or more of the examples disclosedabove, in some examples of the disclosure the method further comprisesselecting a material of the inner band, at least around the firstbearing, with a particular rigidity to produce a particular activationarea. As an alternative to or in addition to one or more of the examplesdisclosed above, in some examples of the disclosure the method furthercomprises physically stopping the outer band from activating the firstbearing when pressure on the outer band is applied at a location offsetfrom the first bearing.

Some examples of the disclosure are directed to a ring input devicecapable of detecting a press input, comprising bearing means disposedbetween an outer band and an inner band of the ring input device forenabling rotation of the outer band with respect to the inner band,means for detecting an application of a first pressure on the outer bandat the first bearing, and means for generating a first press input whenthe first pressure exceeds a first pressure threshold at the firstbearing. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examplesdisclosed above, in some examples the ring input device furthercomprising means for physically stopping the outer band from activatingthe first bearing when pressure on the outer band is applied at alocation offset from the first bearing.

Some examples of the disclosure are directed to a ring input devicecapable of detecting a touch input, the ring input device comprising aband mechanism having a conductive outer band and an inner band, theconductive outer band configured for rotating with respect to the innerband, a first sliding contact formed on the inner band and configured tobe in sliding contact with the conductive outer band, and an electronicjewel system communicatively couplable to the band mechanism, whereinthe first sliding contact is configured for providing a first touchsignal to the electronic jewel system for detecting a first touch inputwhen the conductive outer band is touched. As an alternative to or inaddition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examplesthe electronic jewel system is configured for receiving the first touchsignal and determining a self-capacitance of the conductive outer bandto detect the first touch input. As an alternative to or in addition toone more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the firstsliding contact is a first leaf spring. As an alternative to or inaddition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examplesthe first sliding contact is a first button bearing having a firstconductive surface configured to be in sliding contact with theconductive outer band. As an alternative to or in addition to one moreof the examples disclosed above, in some examples the first slidingcontact is a first dome switch having a first conductive surfaceconfigured to be in sliding contact with the conductive outer band. Asan alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosedabove, in some examples the first dome switch comprises a first domeupon which the first conductive surface is formed, the first conductivesurface connected to a first touch trace, and a first switch mechanismconfigured for being activated when sufficient pressure is applied tothe first dome, the first switch mechanism connected to a first buttontrace. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examplesdisclosed above, in some examples the electronic jewel system isconfigured for receiving the first touch trace to detect a first touchinput, and receiving the first button trace to detect a first pressinput. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examplesdisclosed above, in some examples the first touch trace and the firstbutton trace are connected together to form a first dual-function trace,and wherein the electronic jewel system is configured for using thefirst dual-function trace to detect a first touch input and a firstpress input. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of theexamples disclosed above, in some examples the electronic jewel systemis further configured for determining from the first dual-function tracewhether the conductive outer band is being held at a fixed potential, inaccordance with a determination that the conductive outer band is notbeing held at the fixed potential, determining from the dual-functiontrace a self-capacitance of the conductive outer band, in accordancewith a determination that the self-capacitance of the conductive outerband is greater than a predetermined threshold, determining that a validtouch input and no valid press input have been received, and inaccordance with a determination that the self-capacitance of theconductive outer band is less than or equal to the predeterminedthreshold, determining that no valid touch input and no valid pressinput have been received. As an alternative to or in addition to onemore of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the electronicjewel system is further configured for, in accordance with adetermination that the conductive outer band is being held at the fixedpotential, determining whether a valid press input sequence has beenreceived, in accordance with a determination that a valid press inputsequence has been received, determining that a valid press input hasbeen received, and in accordance with a determination that a valid pressinput sequence has not been received, determining that no valid pressinput has been received. As an alternative to or in addition to one moreof the examples disclosed above, in some examples the ring input devicefurther comprises a second sliding contact formed on the inner band andconfigured to be in sliding contact with the conductive outer band,wherein the second sliding contact is configured for providing a secondtouch signal to the electronic jewel system for detecting the firsttouch input when the conductive outer band is touched. As an alternativeto or in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in someexamples the second sliding contact is a second dome switch having asecond conductive surface configured to be in sliding contact with theconductive outer band. As an alternative to or in addition to one moreof the examples disclosed above, in some examples the second dome switchcomprises a second dome upon which the second conductive surface isformed, the second conductive surface connected to a second touch trace,and a second switch mechanism configured for being activated whensufficient pressure is applied to the second dome, the second switchmechanism connected to a second button trace. As an alternative to or inaddition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examplesthe electronic jewel system is configured for receiving the second touchtrace to detect the first touch input, and receiving the second buttontrace to detect a second press input. As an alternative to or inaddition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examplesthe second touch trace and the second button trace are connectedtogether to form a second dual-function trace, and the electronic jewelsystem is configured for using the second dual-function trace to detectthe first touch input or a second press input.

Some examples of the disclosure are directed to a method for detecting atouch input on a ring input device, comprising providing a first contactbetween an inner band and a conductive outer band of the ring inputdevice that maintains sliding electrical contact with the conductiveouter band as the outer band rotates with respect to the inner band, andgenerating a first touch signal on the first contact for detecting afirst touch input when the conductive outer band is touched. As analternative to or in addition to one or more of the examples disclosedabove, in some examples of the disclosure the method further comprisesusing the first contact as a first bearing between the outer band andthe inner band in addition to generating the first touch signal. As analternative to or in addition to one or more of the examples disclosedabove, in some examples of the disclosure the method further comprisesreceiving a first touch trace from the first bearing to provide thefirst touch signal for detecting the first touch input, and receiving afirst button trace from the first bearing for detecting a first pressinput. As an alternative to or in addition to one or more of theexamples disclosed above, in some examples of the disclosure the methodfurther comprises connecting the first touch trace and the first buttontrace together to form a first dual-function trace, and using the firstdual-function trace to detect a first touch input and a first pressinput. As an alternative to or in addition to one or more of theexamples disclosed above, in some examples of the disclosure the methodfurther comprises determining from the first dual-function trace whetherthe conductive outer band is being held at a fixed potential, inaccordance with a determination that the conductive outer band is notbeing held at the fixed potential, determining from the dual-functiontrace a self-capacitance of the conductive outer band, in accordancewith a determination that the self-capacitance of the conductive outerband is greater than a predetermined threshold, determining that a validtouch input and no valid press input have been received, and inaccordance with a determination that the self-capacitance of theconductive outer band is less than or equal to the predeterminedthreshold, determining that no valid touch input and no valid pressinput have been received.

Some examples of the disclosure are directed to a ring input devicecapable of providing and controlling rotational input, the ring inputdevice comprising a band mechanism having an outer band and an innerband, the outer band capable of rotating with respect to the inner band,a first variable resistance generator formed on one or both of the innerband and the outer band, and an electronic jewel system communicativelycouplable to the band mechanism, wherein the electronic jewel system isconfigured for controlling the first variable resistance generator tomodulate a rotational resistance of the outer band with respect to theinner band in accordance with an item being manipulated. As analternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosedabove, in some examples the electronic jewel system is furtherconfigured to modulate the rotational resistance to produce a feeling ofdetents in the rotating outer band. As an alternative to or in additionto one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples theelectronic jewel system is further configured for controlling the firstvariable resistance generator to prevent rotation of the outer band. Asan alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosedabove, in some examples the electronic jewel system is furtherconfigured for controlling the first variable resistance generator toincrease the rotational resistance of the outer band at a beginning oran end of a rotational input. As an alternative to or in addition to onemore of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the firstvariable resistance generator is one of an electroactive polymer, ashape memory alloy, an air bladder, and magnetorheological fluid. As analternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosedabove, in some examples the item is a parameter. As an alternative to orin addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in someexamples the item is a user interface (UI). As an alternative to or inaddition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examplesthe first variable resistance generator is affixed to the outer band andapplies the modulated rotational resistance against the inner band. Asan alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosedabove, in some examples the inner band and outer band are arranged asconcentric bands, and the ring input device further comprises a secondvariable resistance generator disposed between the inner band and theouter band and located on an opposite side of the ring input device inrelation to the first variable resistance generator, wherein theelectronic jewel system is further configured for controlling the firstvariable resistance generator and the second variable resistancegenerator to apply complementary opposing forces within the ring inputdevice. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examplesdisclosed above, in some examples the inner band and outer band arearranged as eccentric bands. As an alternative to or in addition to onemore of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the firstvariable resistance generator is an electromagnetic rotationalresistance generator having an array of coils formed on the inner bandand an array of magnetic poles formed on the outer band. As analternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosedabove, in some examples the electromagnetic rotational resistancegenerator is affixed to a brake that applies frictional resistance tothe outer band when magnetically influenced by the electromagneticrotational resistance generator. As an alternative to or in addition toone more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the innerband having a side rail for retaining the outer band and the outer bandhaving a side wall adjacent to the side rail, wherein the first variableresistance generator is formed on the side rail of the inner band, andwherein the electronic jewel system is configured for controlling thefirst variable resistance generator to modulate the rotationalresistance of the side rail of the inner band with respect to the sidewall of the outer band.

Some examples of the disclosure are directed to a method of controllingrotational input on a ring input device, comprising providing a firstvariable resistance between an inner band and a rotating outer band ofthe ring input device, and controlling the first variable resistance tomodulate a rotational resistance of the outer band with respect to theinner band in accordance with an item being manipulated. As analternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosedabove, in some examples the method further comprises modulating therotational resistance to produce a feeling of detents in the rotatingouter band. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of theexamples disclosed above, in some examples the method further comprisesmodulating the rotational resistance to prevent rotation of the outerband. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examplesdisclosed above, in some examples the method further comprisesmodulating the rotational resistance to increase the rotationalresistance of the outer band at a beginning or an end of a rotationalinput. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of the examplesdisclosed above, in some examples the item is a parameter. As analternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosedabove, in some examples the item is a user interface (UI). As analternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosedabove, in some examples the first variable resistance is anelectromagnetic rotational resistance.

Some examples of the disclosure are directed to a ring input device forgenerating ring positional information, the ring input device comprisinga band mechanism having an outer band and an inner band, the outer bandconfigured for rotating with respect to the inner band, the outer bandmagnetized to form a single dipole, a magnetometer located proximate tothe outer band, the magnetometer configured for measuring a magneticfield strength of the outer band along multiple axes, and an electronicsystem communicatively couplable to the band mechanism and themagnetometer, wherein the electronic system is configured for computingan absolute angle of rotational position of the outer band from themeasured magnetic field strength along the multiple axes. As analternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosedabove, in some examples the magnetometer is further configured forcapturing multiple measurements of the magnetic field strength of theouter band along the multiple axes over time, and the electronic systemfurther configured for computing an amount and direction of rotation ofthe outer based from the multiple captured magnetic field strengthmeasurements. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of theexamples disclosed above, in some examples the magnetometer is furtherconfigured for capturing multiple measurements of the magnetic fieldstrength of the outer band along the multiple axes over time, and theelectronic system further configured for computing a velocity ofrotation of the outer based from the multiple magnetic field strengthmeasurements. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of theexamples disclosed above, in some examples the electronic system furtherconfigured for calibrating the computed absolute angle of rotationalposition of the outer band by applying a predetermined offset value tothe computed absolute angle of rotational position. As an alternative toor in addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in someexamples the ring input device further comprises a lookup tablecontaining the predetermined offset value for a plurality of computedabsolute angles of rotational position. As an alternative to or inaddition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examplesthe magnetometer further configured for measuring the magnetic fieldstrength along a Y axis (Y) and measuring the magnetic field strengthalong a Z axis (Z), the electronic system further configured forcomputing the absolute angle of rotational position of the outer band asθ=arctan 2 (Y,Z). As an alternative to or in addition to one more of theexamples disclosed above, in some examples the outer band includes aplurality of evenly spaced physical indicators configured to be sensedby a user to provide a tactile confirmation of the amount and directionof rotation of the outer band. As an alternative to or in addition toone more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the ringinput device further comprises a haptic feedback device communicativelycoupled to the electronic system and configured for generating hapticfeedback each time the physical indicator is sensed during rotation. Asan alternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosedabove, in some examples the ring input device further comprises a hapticfeedback device communicatively coupled to the electronic system andconfigured for generating haptic feedback each time a particular amountof rotation of the outer band is detected. As an alternative to or inaddition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in some examplesthe ring input device further comprises a inertial measurement unit(IMU) communicatively coupled to the electronic system and configuredfor generating positional information used to determine an orientationof the ring input device. As an alternative to or in addition to onemore of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the electronicsystem is further configured for generating and wirelessly transmittinga cursor signal for manipulating a cursor based on the determinedorientation of the ring input device.

Some examples of the disclosure are directed to a method for determiningpositional information on a ring input device, comprising magnetizing anouter band of the ring input device to form a single dipole, measuring amagnetic field strength of the outer band rotating with respect to aninner band of the ring input device along multiple axes, and computingan absolute angle of rotational position of the outer band from themeasured magnetic field strength along the multiple axes. As analternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosedabove, in some examples the method further comprises capturing multiplemeasurements of the magnetic field strength of the outer band along themultiple axes over time, and computing an amount and direction ofrotation of the outer based from the multiple captured magnetic fieldstrength measurements. As an alternative to or in addition to one moreof the examples disclosed above, in some examples the method furthercomprises capturing multiple measurements of the magnetic field strengthof the outer band along the multiple axes over time, and computing avelocity of rotation of the outer based from the multiple magnetic fieldstrength measurements. As an alternative to or in addition to one moreof the examples disclosed above, in some examples the method furthercomprises calibrating the computed absolute angle of rotational positionof the outer band by applying a predetermined offset value to thecomputed absolute angle of rotational position. As an alternative to orin addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in someexamples the method further comprises measuring the magnetic fieldstrength along a Y axis (Y) and measuring the magnetic field strengthalong a Z axis (Z), and computing the absolute angle of rotationalposition of the outer band as θ=arctan 2 (Y,Z). As an alternative to orin addition to one more of the examples disclosed above, in someexamples the method further comprises providing a tactile confirmationof the amount and direction of rotation of the outer band. As analternative to or in addition to one more of the examples disclosedabove, in some examples the method further comprises generating hapticfeedback each time a particular amount of rotation of the outer band isdetected. As an alternative to or in addition to one more of theexamples disclosed above, in some examples the method further comprisesgenerating positional information used to determine an orientation ofthe ring input device. As an alternative to or in addition to one moreof the examples disclosed above, in some examples the method furthercomprises generating and wirelessly transmitting a cursor signal formanipulating a cursor based on the determined orientation of the ringinput device.

Although the disclosed examples have been fully described with referenceto the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes andmodifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Suchchanges and modifications are to be understood as being included withinthe scope of the disclosed examples as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A ring input device capable of providing andcontrolling rotational input, comprising: a band mechanism having anouter band and an inner band, the outer band configured to rotate withrespect to the inner band; a first variable resistance generator formedon one or both of the inner band and the outer band; and an electronicjewel system communicatively couplable to the band mechanism; whereinthe electronic jewel system is configured for controlling the firstvariable resistance generator to modulate a rotational resistance of theouter band with respect to the inner band in accordance with an itembeing manipulated.
 2. The ring input device of claim 1, the electronicjewel system further configured to modulate the rotational resistance toproduce a feeling of detents in the rotating outer band.
 3. The ringinput device of claim 1, the electronic jewel system further configuredfor controlling the first variable resistance generator to preventrotation of the outer band.
 4. The ring input device of claim 1, theelectronic jewel system further configured for controlling the firstvariable resistance generator to increase the rotational resistance ofthe outer band at a beginning or an end of a rotational input.
 5. Thering input device of claim 1, wherein the first variable resistancegenerator is one of an electroactive polymer, a shape memory alloy, anair bladder, and magnetorheological fluid.
 6. The ring input device ofclaim 1, wherein the item is a parameter.
 7. The ring input device ofclaim 1, wherein the item is a user interface (UI).
 8. The ring inputdevice of claim 1, wherein the first variable resistance generator isaffixed to the outer band and applies the modulated rotationalresistance against the inner band.
 9. The ring input device of claim 1,wherein the inner band and outer band are arranged as concentric bands,the ring input device further comprising: a second variable resistancegenerator disposed between the inner band and the outer band and locatedon an opposite side of the ring input device in relation to the firstvariable resistance generator; wherein the electronic jewel system isfurther configured for controlling the first variable resistancegenerator and the second variable resistance generator to applycomplementary opposing forces within the ring input device.
 10. The ringinput device of claim 1, wherein the inner band and outer band arearranged as eccentric bands.
 11. The ring input device of claim 1,wherein the first variable resistance generator is an electromagneticrotational resistance generator having an array of coils formed on theinner band and an array of magnetic poles formed on the outer band. 12.The ring input device of claim 11, wherein the electromagneticrotational resistance generator is affixed to a brake that appliesfrictional resistance to the outer band when magnetically influenced bythe electromagnetic rotational resistance generator.
 13. The ring inputdevice of claim 1, the inner band having a side rail for retaining theouter band and the outer band having a side wall adjacent to the siderail; wherein the first variable resistance generator is formed on theside rail of the inner band, and wherein the electronic jewel system isconfigured for controlling the first variable resistance generator tomodulate the rotational resistance of the side rail of the inner bandwith respect to the side wall of the outer band.
 14. A method ofcontrolling rotational input on a ring input device, comprising:providing a first variable resistance between an inner band and arotating outer band of the ring input device; and controlling the firstvariable resistance to modulate a rotational resistance of the outerband with respect to the inner band in accordance with an item beingmanipulated.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising modulatingthe rotational resistance to produce a feeling of detents in therotating outer band.
 16. The method of claim 14, further comprisingmodulating the rotational resistance to prevent rotation of the outerband.
 17. The method of claim 14, further comprising modulating therotational resistance to increase the rotational resistance of the outerband at a beginning or an end of a rotational input.
 18. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the item is a parameter.
 19. The method of claim 14,wherein the item is a user interface (UI).
 20. The method of claim 1,wherein the first variable resistance is an electromagnetic rotationalresistance.